cOVID-19 Update
For the week of 4/25/2022 to 5/1/2022, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reported the following average daily case rate for the following counties:
- 10.3 cases per 100,000 in Bernalillo County
- 25.8 cases per 100,000 in Los Alamos County
- 15.5 cases per 100,000 in Rio Arriba County
- 11.0 cases per 100,000 in Taos County
While case numbers remain low throughout New Mexico, McCurdy continues to implement health and safety measures regarding COVID-19 protocols to help ensure the safety of the children and youth we serve as well as our staff and volunteers.
To review the latest McCurdy COVID-19 Protocols: LINK
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Lodging Fee Increase
As of January 1, 2023, the nightly rate for guests and volunteers staying in the Pilling-Robinson Retreat Center will increase from $30pp per night to $35pp per night. This increase is necessary due to the rising cost of fuel and utilities.
Please note that this increase does not take effect until 2023, so it will not impact the current VIM teams scheduled to serve McCurdy during the 2022 mission season.
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Spotlight
After School Care Program Children Make Prayer Beads
to Remind Them to Pray
After School Care Program Director Angela Ortiz was searching for a way to help her students grow in their prayer life. Prayer beads are often used as a tactile aid to prayer and as a way to stay focused while praying. Many feel that the beads provide a way to ensure all that is important to the individual are included in their daily prayers. Angela reached out and volunteer Terry Allen provided the beads and training for the students.
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The standard prayer bead set consists of thirty-three beads of the following pattern, starting with the Cross, followed by the Invitatory Bead, and subsequently, the first Cruciform bead, moving to the right, through the first set of seven beads to the next Cruciform bead, continuing around the circle. The Five Cruciform beads form the points of a cross within the circle of the set, hence the term "cruciform." |
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There are four groups consisting of seven beads each, plus the four Cruciform beads and the Invitatory Bead for a total of thirty-three beads. The number thirty-three signifies the number of years that Jesus Christ lived on the Earth, while the number seven signifies wholeness or completion in the faith, the days of creation, and the seasons of the Church year (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Ordinary Time). |
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Volunteer Terry Allen led the children in three small groups and over 25 children chose their bead colors and strung their own prayer beads. In a sweet thank you note from the class, one student remarked, “Thank you for your patience to teach us.” Another said, “I loved your help.” Terry Allen commented, “Being a volunteer at McCurdy definitely helps the school and the children but it is also heartwarming for those who volunteer as well. I love my time here.” |
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Remembering Our Mothers
As we celebrate our mothers this month, I want to share a bit about how my mother empowered me with both her wisdom and her words.
Like many people, I took my mother for granted and thought she would always be there for me when I needed her. She was someone who I could depend upon to help me work my way through any problem.
When I unexpectantly lost her to a massive heart attack in 1996, the void in my life was huge. It took several years before I no longer had the urge to pick up the telephone to call her when I needed her insight and advise or just a word of encouragement.
I am so grateful for the words and seeds of wisdom that she planted inside of me through the years. One statement she made I have carried close to my heart. She simply said, “Linda, I have no doubt that you can do whatever you set your mind to do.” What a confidence booster!
I don’t recall the rest of the conversation, but I do remember how powerful those words have been in my life. I was just a teenager at the time, but her confidence in me stayed with me, especially in times when I easily could have doubted myself or believed what others thought.
Our words are powerful. I hope you had an “encourager” like my mother in your life. And I pray that we, as Christians, recognize how powerful our words can be. May what we say make a positive impact on everyone around us every day!
Blessings and love,
Linda Polson
VIM Team Leader and McCurdy Board Member
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Things to See and Do in New Mexico |
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Los Luceros
Historic Site
Tewa People and Spanish Conquistadors and their descendants have called this beautiful area along the banks of the Rio Grande home for over eight hundred years. In 1703, Sebastian Martin received a 51,000-acre Spanish land grant which included this bend in the river. In 1757, the Lucero name became connected to the property when Sebastian Martin’s granddaughter, Barbara Padilla, married Santiago Lucero. Today, this working farm showcases a magnificent Territorial- style hacienda, an 18th century chapel, a Victorian cottage, and an irrigation system (acequia) built in the 1700’s which still waters the fields today. Acequias as well as hornos (ovens) and adobe mud bricks are Moorish influences brought by the Spanish into New Mexico.
The 1846 acquisition of New Mexico as a United States’ Territory was not popular among many of the Indigenous and Hispanic communities in Northern New Mexico. On the morning of January 19, 1847, New Mexico Territorial Gov. Charles Bent and six others were attacked and killed at his home in Taos. This “1847 Taos Revolt” was in response to the American occupation of New Mexico. The fields at Los Luceros were utilized in 1847 to station US troops to put down the rebellion. Unfortunately, many innocent women and children were killed in the process.
Through the years at Los Luceros, there were others who had their own impact on this unique property, including interesting Irish relatives and a Navajo spiritual writer and rug weaver. There are many artifacts throughout this special place highlighting its unique blend of cultures through time.
There is, of course, a McCurdy connection. When the school opened in Velarde, it was the only school in the area. Over McCurdy’s 110-year history, several Lucero relatives have attended school at Velarde, Alcalde, or at the main McCurdy campus. Diana de la Rosa was the class of 1983 Valedictorian and Reverend Kathy Salazar, who is a Provisional Deacon at Christ UMC in Albuquerque, is married to a descendant and attended elementary school at McCurdy. This historic site is only about 12 miles away from the McCurdy campus.
Admission fee is normally $7.00 each but if you book a group tour in advance and identify yourselves as a McCurdy Ministries Community Center Volunteer in Mission team, Los Luceros Historic Site will waive the entire team’s admission fee. The Velarde Church is located only a few miles further North.
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(L-R) Sarah Allen with Rev. Kathy Salazar, Christ UMC, and McCurdy Board Member Peggy Arensdorf at Albuquerque District UWF Conference |
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2022 McCurdy Fiesta plans
This year’s McCurdy Fiesta is scheduled to be held on Friday and Saturday, October 28 and 29, 2022. Some of the current plans include:
- a Public Private Partnership Dinner for special guests,
- an antique car show,
- volunteers dressed in period costumes,
- games on the lawn,
- “Trunk or Treat” for the kids,
- a Silent Auction,
- a Virtual 5K run,
- a special anniversary celebration presentation,
- dessert for all,
- and so much more.
Stay tuned as work continues for many fun-filled activities to celebrate McCurdy’s 110th anniversary! And, we hope you will join us!
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McCurdy tee shirt and calendar design contests
Do you have a great idea for a tee shirt or a calendar design to help commemorate McCurdy’s 110th anniversary in October? If so, you are invited to enter this year’s design contests. Simply summit artwork or a photograph reflecting the various seasons in the Española Valley or the various places McCurdy has had schools throughout its 110-year history, including Santa Cruz, Velarde, Alcalde, and Vallecitos.
All entries must be artist’s original work or photograph and no more than two entries per individual. Everyone is eligible to enter, no matter the age. Entries must be received by August 1, 2022. Winners will be announced by August 31, 2022.
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The winner of the tee shirt design contest will receive a McCurdy tee shirt, a McCurdy 2023 calendar, and a $50 gift card.
For the calendar contest, there will be one winner for the calendar cover who will receive a free calendar, a McCurdy tee shirt, and a $50 gift card. Their entry will also appear as the graphic for one month. In addition, there will be 11 monthly winners who will receive a free calendar and a $25 gift card.
For the full list of entry rules and a contest application form, go to the McCurdy website: https://mccurdy.org/.
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More VIM teams needed!
While a number of VIM team leaders have booked mission teams to the McCurdy Ministries Community Center for this summer and fall, there are still several weeks that no teams are scheduled.
If you have a mission team or youth group that is looking for a mission opportunity, please prayerfully consider scheduling a team to McCurdy. Your help is needed, especially this summer! A team also is needed the week following the Fiesta (October 31 - November 4) to help with the cleanup after the event.
If you can provide a VIM team for any of these weeks, please contact our Volunteer Registrar Eufemia Romero by phone at 505-753-7221, ext. 210 or by email at eromero@mccurdy.org to schedule a your mission team.
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Long-term volunteers needed
Volunteers are needed to fill two long-term positions during the summer months (May-August). Long-term volunteers are encouraged to stay for at least two months.
Accommodations are provided for long-term volunteers in the Pilling-Robinson Retreat Center while on campus. The facility consists of dormitory style rooms with semi-private bathrooms, kitchens, and common areas for volunteer use.
Assistant VIM Work Coordinator
McCurdy Ministries needs a summertime VIM Work Coordinator. Some of the basic duties of the VIM Work Coordinator include assigning specific work tasks on a daily basis, providing general orientation on proper safety protocols while working, and ensuring team members have proper tools and supplies for their work assignments.
Retreat Center Host
McCurdy Ministries needs a summertime Retreat Center host or hosts. Couples or an individual can apply for this long-term volunteer position. Some of the duties of include welcoming volunteers upon their arrival, making sure rooms are supplied with clean linens, and serving as a resource for questions volunteers may have during their stay including where to find supplies in the retreat center.
For more information about serving in either position, please download the Long-Term Individual Volunteer Handbook that includes an application form. The link to the handbook is located on the McCurdy website: https://mccurdy.org/individual-volunteers/.
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Here’s something different to serve your family. This recipe is from McCurdy’s very own collection, Recipes of a Century Past, published in 2012 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ministry. This recipe was contributed by Milt Denny, Class of 1959.
Green Chile Corn Pudding
- 1 (16-ounce) package of frozen yellow corn, thawed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted plus more for greasing pan
- 1-3/4 cups reduced fat milk
- 1-1/2 cups fine yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces diced green chiles
- 2 eggs, beaten
Preheat oven to 350o F. Grease a 7 x 11-inch baking dish with butter; set aside. Transfer 1 cup of corn to a large bowl and then puree remaining corn in a food processor until almost smooth and add to bowl with whole corn. Stir in melted butter, milk, cornmeal, onion, baking powder, salt, chilies, and eggs and transfer to prepared dish. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 45 to 50 minutes.
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Here’s the story behind another favorite hymn that churches often sing at this time of year. The following story is taken from the “Etymology of Hymns” website.
“Often times, some of the best known works in the religious world come from people that did not begin their life in a religious way. Samuel Medley was a prime example of this... Born June 23rd 1738 in Chestnut, England, Medley was the son of a School teacher, but none-less, he was educated privately by his grandfather. While studying with his grandfather, Medley was taught to live faithfully by Christian values, but he was not interested in following what was being taught. As he grew up, Medley became friends with boys who were not Godly, and lead sinful lives. Eventually at the age of 14 (c. 1752), Medley was given an apprenticeship with an oil-man in London, but he only lasted 3 years in with the oil-man before he began searching for a way out. After finding a loop-hole in the law, Medley discovered that a person can leave an apprenticeship and join the military service, which lead him to join the British Royal Navy. While in the Navy, Medley’s life style did not improve, but rather became even more crass and profane than before.
In 1759, during the Seven Year’s War, Medley’s ship engaged in a naval battle with a French ship, during which Medley’s leg was severely injured. After the battle was over, Medley’s leg continued to grow worse, even to the point of potentially having to amputate the leg to save Medley’s life. One evening, the physician aboard the ship told Medley that if his leg did not improve by morning, they would have to amputate or he could face death. During the night, Medley turned back and remembered what his grandfather had taught him when he was younger, and he began to pray vigorously that his leg may be spared. The next morning, to the surprise of all on the ship, the physician examined the leg and determined that it had healed so well that amputation was no longer needed. Immediately afterwards, Medley returned to his room, found the bible his grandfather had given him, and began reading. When Medley’s ship had finally returned to England, he was sent to his grandfather’s house where he was allowed to recover. Eventually, during his recovery, Medley’s grandfather read a sermon written by Isaac Watts, which moved Medley so greatly; he immediately converted and became a Christian. After his conversion, Medley began attending the Baptist Church in Eagle Street, London. Shortly after, Medley opened a school, which he ran with great success for nearly six years, but then he found a new calling.
In 1767, Medley began preaching, and eventually he became so popular in his teachings that he was called to be Pastor at the Baptist Church in Watford, England. After five short years in Watford, Medley moved on to Byrom Street, Liverpool, where he gathered a large congregation of a 27 year period. Medley took a special interest in the souls of Seamen and Servicemen, and was so wildly popular that soon his meeting place could not sustain the number of people coming to hear him preach. After a short time, the meeting space was enlarged, but this would prove useless as the number of people coming to hear the sermons was still growing. Eventually the crowds grew so great that an entirely new building had to be constructed to allow room for everyone who wanted to hear the words of Medley. Although his career was successful, Medley fell ill and maintained his illness for quite some time. After his long fight, Medley finally passed away July 17th 1799, but many of his hymns maintain their popularity in the Baptist Church, one of the most famous of which is I Know That My Redeemer Lives.”
Use this link to read the full story as well as the original hymn’s verses: LINK
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Do you have a favorite hymn or scripture that helped you through a difficult time? If so, would you be willing to share your story with me and with our readers? If so, please email it to me at lpolson1966@gmail.com.
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The Sun Still
Came Up
By Stacy Lowe
“…You see, it's easy for me to take note of God's presence when life goes exactly the way I think it should; I thank Him for His blessing and move on with my day. Problem is, that's rarely how it goes. More often than not, my plans are interrupted as my day is rearranged, and my head is left spinning, trying to keep up with it all.
But those moments don't slip by the God of the universe. He isn't caught unawares.
He is right there with me, just like He's always been. How, then, can I better see Him? The prophet Isaiah offers us a clue in today's key verse:
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3)
Keeping my thoughts fixed on God broadens my perspective beyond what's right in front of me. It reminds me that my daily purpose is not to satisfy my own agenda but to play my carefully orchestrated part in accomplishing His.
As I remember this, my heart is flooded with that perfect peace Isaiah speaks of, and my eyes are opened to search for God in each and every moment, whether that moment looks anything like I imagined it or not.
I smiled as I left the beach that morning. I may not have gotten the picture-perfect sunrise I had hoped for, but the lesson God tucked in my heart was infinitely better.
Father, You have a plan for me this day and every day. When nothing looks the way I imagined it would, remind me You're still there. Help me see the proof of Your presence all around me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.”
Use this link to read the full devotional: LINK
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McCurdy Ministries Community Center creates hope and empowers the lives of children, youth, adults and families through education, life skills, and faith-based programs in Española, New Mexico.
May is the time of year when everything starts springing to back to life after the long, hard winter. May you take time to enjoy all the new beauty budding around you!
Special blessings to each of our faithful supporters!
McCurdy Board and Staff
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Through our Volunteer Newsletter, we are providing the latest information about volunteer opportunities at McCurdy Ministries Community Center and sharing helpful tips about planning a mission trip to Española. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions about articles or resources. Send your suggestions or questions to Linda Polson at lpolson1966@gmail.com. Linda is an MMCC Board Member and experienced VIM Team Leader.
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McCurdy Ministries Community Center creates hope and empowers the lives of children, youth, adults and families through education, life skills and faith-based programs
in Española, NM.
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